paul@axiom.UUCP (Paul O`Shaughnessy) (03/28/86)
Recent article from Electronic Engineering Times 24 March 86 (paraphrased): Former section chief of test engineering for shuttle destruct systems electronics proposes that on-board HMX explosives could have been ignited by flame from starboard SRB. These explosives were located on the external fuel tank 15 feet from the flaw in the starboard SRB and can be thermally ignited at 350 degrees F. Another explosive called NHX is located in the lower attach point of the SRB. NHX ignites at 1000 degrees F. SRB plume temperature has been estimated at 6000 degrees F. The engineer was employed by United Space Boosters Inc., under contract to NASA, from 1981 to 1982. **************** Paul O'Shaughnessy @ Axiom Technology, Home of the 'Managememt Team' decvax!linus!axiom ihnp4!linus!axiom seismo!harvard!axiom